Barcelona twice came from behind to beat Villarreal 3-2 in a sensational La Liga clash at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
It was the visitors that took the lead after 30 minutes courtesy of a clever finish from Denis Cheryshev, but Barca levelled in the final minute of the first period through Neymar.
Luciano Vietto sent Villarreal into a 2-1 lead early in the second half, but quick-fire goals from Rafinha and Lionel Messi turned the topsy-turvy match on its head.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish rivals.
Match statistics
BARCA
Shots: 19
On target: 7
Possession: 70%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 9
VILLARREAL
Shots: 9
On target: 3
Possession: 30%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 18
Was the result fair?
One look at the statistics will demonstrate that Barcelona dominated all of the major areas at the Camp Nou and while that was the case, defeat will be extremely difficult for Villarreal to take. As expected, Barca enjoyed most of the possession (70%), but Villarreal were always a threat on the counter-attack and caused the hosts a number of problems throughout the 90 minutes. It was important that Villarreal entered the interval with their lead, which they gained through Cheryshev. However, Neymar's goal late in the first period ensured that Barca entered the second period level and indeed on the front foot.
The Yellow Submarine scored their second with their first attack of the second half, but they could not ride the storm that they must have known would follow. Vietto's goal came after 51 minutes, but four minutes later, Barca were ahead. From that moment, it was always going to be difficult for Villarreal to respond, such was Barca's dominance of the possession. On the face of it, Barca deserved to win, but Villarreal put so much into the match that they can feel unfortunate to leave with nothing.
Barca's performance
The Catalan outfit entered the match with comfortably the best defensive record in the league this season, having conceded just nine times thus far. Well, their defence was given a lot of problems by Villarreal, who were a serious threat on the counter. As mentioned, Barca dominated possession and created more chances, but they looked vulnerable each time that they lost the ball, which has not been the case for long stages of the season. That said, a team that has such attacking talent can afford to be a little unsure in defensive areas.
It did not happen for Luis Suarez in terms of a goal, but the striker worked ever-so hard in the final third and helped create space for Neymar and Messi, both of whom did find the back of the net. Rafinha, who was preferred to Ivan Rakitic, also had a super match in the middle of midfield, with the youngster playing a big part in his side's first, before scoring the second. Villarreal have been so impressive in recent weeks, especially defensively, but the visitors had no answer to the bombardment. In truth, not too much happened in the final 25 minutes or so, with Barca doing a professional job in the latter stages. Against the better teams, the defensive issues are still there, but their attacking talent is up there with the best in the world.
Villarreal's performance
The Yellow Submarine entered the match off the back of an 18-match unbeaten run in all competitions - 10 of which were in the league. It was not too difficult to understand why they have been so successful, with their performance at the Camp Nou causing Barca a whole host of issues. The hosts won the match, but they will know that they have been in a game. Credit must be given to head coach Marcelino for selecting two out-and-out forwards, with Giovani dos Santos and Vietto creating a whole host of problems. Cheryshev, who opened the scoring, also joined the attack whenever possible during a strong display.
As touched upon, however, Villarreal really needed to enter half time with a one-goal lead. It would have placed a different complexion on the second period and dented the home side's confidence. That said, they did regain their lead minutes into the second half following another super counter-attack. The visitors could not repel the pressure that followed, however, and there is no question that two quick-fire goals from Barca knocked them for six. In the end, they could not launch a late response, but Villarreal deserve nothing but praise for their performance. Marcelino's side are seemingly locked in a three-way fight with Valencia and Sevilla for that elusive fourth place and they are certain to push those two teams all the way.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Rafinha: The 21-year-old has not started too many league games this season, but he was thrown into the XI against Villarreal, which proved an excellent decision from Luis Enrique, who had him on loan at Celta Vigo last season. It was Rafinha's attempt on goal that allowed Neymar to score the equaliser, before he netted Barca's second with an excellent finish. The Brazilian-born midfielder was also prepared to drop back and help his defence in the latter stages. It was an all-round super performance.
Biggest gaffe
It is perhaps a touch harsh to pick out Suarez, who worked very hard, but the striker's finishing was extremely wayward. The Uruguay international's worst miss came in the second period, when he somehow headed wide from close range. That was after he had missed two excellent chances in the first 45 minutes. It is just not happening in front of goal for the 28-year-old at the moment.
Referee performance
Referee Inaki Bikandi had a busy night at the Camp Nou, but the Spaniard got the majority of the decisions correct. He issued just four yellow cards in total - three of which came for Villarreal in the first period. There were two incidents in the second half that called for Bikandi's intervention and he was right to chalk off a goal for Villarreal when Victor Ruiz converted from an offside position. Moments later, Neymar called for a penalty down the other end, but it would have been harsh on the visitors. Overall, Bikandi kept on top of things and was always prepared to let the play flow whenever possible.
What next?
Barca: Next up for Barca in the league is a trip to Athletic Bilbao next Sunday.
Villarreal: The Yellow Submarine, meanwhile, welcome Granada next Saturday.
Matt Law
